Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 race for the White House and will endorse former President Donald Trump.
According to a Pennsylvania court filing obtained by the Associated Press, the formal endorsement is expected after Kennedy makes an official statement on Friday.
Kennedy, 70, has been the subject of recent speculation regarding his campaign’s future. Reports suggested he was considering dropping out and backing Trump instead, a move allegedly driven by ongoing talks between Trump allies and Kennedy’s team. Frustration with the Democratic Party’s lack of support during his campaign may have also played a role, according to sources close to Kennedy.
Adding fuel to the rumors, Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, hinted earlier in the week that they were contemplating leaving the race and aligning with Trump in an effort to block Vice President Kamala Harris from securing the presidency.
Trump, 78, expressed his enthusiasm for Kennedy’s support, stating he would be “honored” to receive the endorsement. The two reportedly met in Milwaukee last month, coinciding with the first day of the Republican National Convention, in what appears to have been a strategic effort by Trump to solidify Kennedy’s backing.
